The Wrestler (US, 2008)

Realistic, gritty portrayal of ageing trailer-dwelling wrestler Randy "Ram Jam" Robinson, his exploits inside and outside the ring and the interaction with the women of his life. It's a good movie, but not as good as the high ratings would indicate.

The Artist (FR/BE, 2011)

The silent film that doesn't feel like a silent film. It looks good, is worth seeing and has some nice moments, but doesn't live up to the hype.

50/50 (US, 2011)

Adam (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) is (apparently) a 20-something part-time radio presenter in Seattle who unexpectedly learns he has cancer. Its slightly unlikely premise is mirrored to some extent in the action, before progressing to a slightly moving conclusion.

The Killers (US, 1946)

Another great noir, told largely in flashback, partially based on Hemmingway's short story of the same name, with John Houston uncredited as screenplay writer.

About Schmidt (US, 2002)

First film of the year, and it's a 10 year old! One of my colleagues is particularly interested in modern (like, now) film; I'm not so focused though, and will watch anything 'good'. This DVD one of a trailer-load acquired from the late lamented Shantalla Movie House in Galway when it closed in Summer 2009 and sold off its stock. It was in its day the best DVD rental in Ireland (outside of Dublin) and the source of many, many gems.

Jack Nicholson plays the titular rôle as a recent retiree, there's some humour (cf Mr Schmidt's facial expressions) as his retirement takes a few slightly unexpected turns. It's a likeable, funny, articulate film with strong performances, and a good start to the new season.

Top 5 Films of 2011

Only rule here is that they must've been seen on the silver screen, that is, at the cinema.

1. Black Swan (US, 2010)
2. In a Better World/Hævnen (DK/SE, 2010)
3. Melancholia (DK/SE/FR/DE, 2011)
4. Little White Lies/Les Petits Mouchoirs (FR, 2010)
5. True Grit (US, 2010)

Yep, almost all of 'em 2010; Black Swan got a long run which spilled over into early 2011 while True Grit got a brief repeat at QFT.

2046 (HK/CN, 2004)

Something might've gone over my head here; it's rather subtle and mannered, with a sci-fi dimension; works best when concentrating on Chow's various loves and the associated events.

There's some nice tonal photography as one would expect from WKW, but it's difficult to get too enthusiastic about it overall.